HARDWICK – The May 7 regular select board meeting saw a mixed agenda, beginning with communication from the audience. Rachel Kane asked whether speed bumps could be installed in the East Hardwick village during the summer months, to help slow traffic. Town Manager David Upson stated motorists need to be more aware of their speed when entering the village areas. He noted Kane could request a traffic study through Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA). Larry Fleigleman, board member, asked whether a traffic study would also be needed for additional signage near the rail trail. Upson commented that signage is only effective if motorists are paying attention. He noted that Doug Morton at NVDA would be the contact person if Kane wishes to pursue the matter further.
photo by Paul Fixx
Upson reported the pedestrian bridge project is slightly ahead of schedule. The contractor has reached the lowest required elevation and is approximately halfway through installation of the micropiles creating a base for the foundation of the new retaining wall.
Rain has not impacted the project; however sandbags will be installed for water control. The footing for the new wall will be poured over the micropiles.
Engineering plans are being submitted to tie the new wall into the existing wall.
The new bridge is expected to arrive in July and be installed in early August.
Shari Cornish, board member, asked about the non-functioning crosswalks and the parking spaces adjacent to the jersey barriers in the construction area downtown. She suggested painting over the white lines and covering the two-hour parking signs, as people continue attempting to park along the barriers. Upson said the town can communicate with CCS regarding the issue.
Environmental remediation studies have recently begun at the proposed Vermont Huts location at 9 South Main Street as well as another on Creamery Road, said Upson.
Design for the Fisher Folly Bridge has been completed, with the permitting process underway, he added.
Road Foreman Tom Fadden said the crew has completed grading on Mackville and Hopkins Hill Roads, along with work on West Hill, Tucker Brook and Kate Brook Roads. The crew also completed the West Woodbury section the town maintains annually under contract.
Fadden reported the crew repaired a water main break on South Main Street, with the help of Gravel Construction.
Unfortunately, after those repairs were completed, another break occurred near Jiffy Mart. The crew responded at 10 p.m. to complete repairs overnight and minimize disruptions. They also replaced the hydrant near Buffalo Mountain Market. Additional hydrant repairs were completed on the corner of Vermont Avenue and near Slapp Hill.
Fadden said the crew has started roadside mowing and painting crosswalks.
They relocated the radar sign near the Buffalo Mountain Co-op because it was repeatedly being struck by delivery trucks.
Cornish asked about crosswalks near the laundromat intersection, expressing concern about pedestrian safety. Fadden explained traffic cannot be stopped in that area due to the ongoing construction and completing the work at night is not a practical option because the paint requires warmth and sunlight to dry properly.
The board approved a slew of tobacco and liquor licenses, for businesses including; Positive Pie, Hardwick Gas & Convenience, Hardwick Convenience & Deli, D&L Beverage and Deli and Buffalo Mountain Co-Op.
Floodplain and Zoning Administrator Kristen Leahy said the town received six responses to their Request for Qualifications in regards to the Lamoille Riverbank Stabilization and Flood Mitigation Study, five of which are considered excellent submissions. Leahy explained the selection process and noted that Stone Environmental has an urban planner on staff. She also explained the study area extends from Hay’s over to the Cottage Street Bridge. Upon motion by Tim Ricciardello, seconded by Derek Richardson, the board voted to authorize the town manager to execute a contract with Stone Environmental for the work.
The board considered the Confluence Floodplain Restoration Project. Leahy reported that, similar to the RFQ process, the town also received several strong proposals for it. Upon motion by Tim Ricciardello, seconded by Larry Fliegelman, the select board voted to authorize the town manager to execute a contract with SLR Consulting for the work.
In other business, the board approved a new debt management policy, as presented by town Finance Director Casey Rowell.
They voted to adopt new Road and Bridge Standards released in January 2026, in order to remain eligible for FEMA reimbursements.
The board considered roadside mowing bids, agreeing to proceed with a local contractor contingent upon satisfactory reference checks.
The town’s current recreational policy was discussed at length, although no action was taken.
Draft changes to the town’s economic development loan policy were reviewed, with the board deciding additional time was needed to potentially adjust language related to board recommendations.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
